Two critically injured golden jackals were rescued from separate locations near Karnala and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in a coordinated operation involving the Forest Department, local NGOs and animal lovers. The wild animals have been shifted to the Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) in Mumbai for advanced medical treatment and rehabilitation. According to rescuers, both jackals were found in serious condition and required urgent intervention. They are currently undergoing treatment under the supervision of associate veterinarians Dr Priti Sathe and Dr Kirti Sathe at RAWW. Initial medical procedures have been carried out, and diagnostic tests have been conducted. Officials said they are awaiting detailed reports to assess internal injuries and complications before initiating further treatment. Golden jackals are listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act Golden jackals are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, which provides the highest level of legal protection to wildlife species in India. The species is commonly found in mangrove forests and surrounding habitats, particularly in coastal regions. Forest officials and wildlife volunteers have urged citizens to immediately inform authorities if injured wildlife is spotted, especially in ecologically sensitive areas such as mangroves.
14 February,2026 03:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavA portion of a cement metro pillar under construction collapsed in Mulund West, Mumbai, on Saturday afternoon. One person has been declared whereas thee others have sustained serious injuries. As per MMRDA, "The incident occurred today at approximately 12:15 pm near Pier P196 of Metro Line construction works in the Rajiv (Milan) stretch, close to Mulund Fire Station, where a portion of a parapet segment fell from height and struck a passing auto rickshaw and a Skoda car." Four people were injured in the incident and were rushed to Upasani Hospital. As per information shared by hospital operator Shri Ajay, while one person was declared brought dead. The deceased has been identified as Ramdhan Yadav. An incident occurred today at approximately 12:15 pm near Pier P196 of Metro Line construction works in the RAJV (Milan) stretch, close to Mulund Fire Station, where a portion of a parapet segment fell from height and struck a passing auto rickshaw.Two individuals sustained… — MMRDA (@MMRDAOfficial) February 14, 2026 The Metro project team is at the site and is working on relief operations and securing the site in close co-ordination with BMC and disaster management authorities. As soon as the incident was reported, concerned authorities rushed to the spot. The Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), including police officials, metro staff, ward officials and 108 ambulance services, was mobilised for rescue and relief operations immediately. Slamming the MMRDA, MLA Mihir Kotecha said, "The incident happened due to negligence of MMRDA. Instead of four hooks, only two were used to lift the part of the bridge. We have evidence to prove that. This is negligence of contractor. We have asked for suspension of the contractor." The deceased has been identified as Ramdhan Yadav, whereas, the injured have been identified as Rajkumar Indrajeet Yadav (45), who has been admitted to the ICU and is in critical condition. Other injured are Mahendra Pratap Yadav (52) and Deepa Ruhiya (40), both of them are said to be in stable condition. Initial reports suggest that several people who were in the auto rickshaw sustained injuries. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention. The exact condition of the victims is yet to be officially confirmed. Further details are awaited as rescue operations continue.
14 February,2026 02:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra State Election Commission has ordered the suspension of a polling officer and a police constable in Solapur for allowing a minor boy to enter a polling booth with his father, a candidate in the Zilla Parishad election. A video went viral on social media last week, which showed a 14-year-old boy, accompanied by his father, allegedly casting a vote at the Yashwant Nagar polling station in Akluj during the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections on February 7. As per PTI, the video saw NCP (SP) candidate Arjun Sinh Mohite Patil's son is seen standing next to him inside a polling booth, pressing the EVM button.The SEC, in a letter to the Solapur collector on February 10, stated that permitting a child inside the polling compartment was a violation of election rules. Based on a preliminary report from SEC, the poll body found negligence in election duty by polling officer Anna Savata Budhe and police constable Gajanan Sitaram Rajut, who were deployed at the booth. The SEC has ordered the immediate suspension of both officials and departmental disciplinary proceedings against them. The commission further stated that an FIR has been registered in connection with the incident, naming Mohite-Patil, and directed the collector to send a factual report on the status of the case and subsequent action. Zilla Parishad elections: Probe ordered as Shiv Sena MLA votes in presence of minor son in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar A probe has been ordered after Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena MLA Vilas Bhumre took his minor son inside an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) booth during Zilla Parishad elections in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, officials said on Sunday, reported the PTI. The incident took place in Paithan taluka of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, they said, adding that the act violated election rules related to secrecy and voting procedures. The incident took place on Saturday at the Pachod polling booth. In the video, which later went viral on social media, both Bhumre and his son can be seen with ink marks on their fingers. When questioned by reporters, Bhumre, who is the MLA from Paithan, played down the issue. He said his son had accompanied him and wanted ink on his finger while Bhumre was being marked after voting. “My son is very small. How will he understand anything about EVMs and its buttons? He only came with me,” Bhumre said, according to the PTI. District collector Dilip Swami said action was taken after he came to know about the incident through the viral video and media reports. “I have called the concerned officer in Paithan taluka and asked for a detailed report. I have also sought an explanation about who allowed the child to enter the EVM booth and have his finger inked,” Swami said, the news agency reported. He added that action would be taken against officials found responsible for the lapse.
14 February,2026 02:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Saturday announced a series of school competitions and public health initiatives. The announcement by the BMC has been done to mark the 350th Martyrdom Samagam of Guru Tegh Bahadur, revered as “Hind-di-Chadar”. The commemorative event will be organised by the Minority Development Department of the Government of Maharashtra along with the State Level Samagam Committee on February 28 and March 1, in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. As per the officials, “The programme will be held between 8 am and 10 am on both the days.” In view of organising the programme, the civic body’s education department has begun conducting a range of competitions across municipal schools, including singing, elocution, essay writing, painting and reading contests. 15 students and 5 schools to be felicitated by the Chief Minister As per the BMC officials, “These activities will continue from February 13 to 23, 2026. A short film depicting the life and legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahibji was screened in all municipal schools on February 13 through video conferencing.” Additionally, student morning processions will be organised to spread awareness among citizens about the historical significance of the martyrdom anniversary. From the various competitions, the best 15 students and five schools will be selected and felicitated by the Chief Minister and the Guardian Minister at the main event. Students in Thane lead awareness drive for Guru Tegh Bahadur anniversary After BMC announcement about the competition, students across schools run by the Thane Municipal Corporation have responded enthusiastically to awareness initiatives organised to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, revered as “Hind-Di-Chadar”. As part of the commemorative activities, schools have been conducting morning processions, essay competitions and film screenings to familiarise students with the life and legacy of the Sikh Guru. At Mrs. Anandibai Keshav Joshi School in Naupada, students took out a morning procession highlighting the teachings and contributions of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahibji. Similarly, students of Thane Municipal Corporation School No. 130 organised a procession in their area, raising slogans and spreading awareness among residents. During the programmes, teachers narrated inspiring incidents from the Guru’s life, while a short film based on his journey was screened in schools.
14 February,2026 12:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter suffering serious health concerns in the last few days, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar will be discharged from Ruby Hall Clinic today. Dr Purvez Grant, chief cardiologist, chairman and managing trustee of Ruby Hall Clinic, stated that Sharad Pawar is in good health and has recovered well. Dr Purvez added that, “He will be discharged today. The medical team has advised him to take adequate rest for a few days, following which he may gradually resume his routine work and public engagements.” Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar was admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune earlier on Monday, February 9, due to throat-related problems, persistent coughing, and chest congestion. Sharad Pawar’s condition after being admitted to hospital improved significantly within two days. However, he was kept under observation for the next few days considering his medical history. Sharad Pawar was admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic on February 9 The initial assessment by the treating doctor, Dr Abhijeet Lodha, showed stable heart rate and oxygen levels, though respiratory rate was slightly elevated when the NCP (SP) was brought to Ruby Hill Clinic on Monday this week. Sources said the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief, an oral cancer survivor, had experienced fatigue due to continuous travel and engagements, along with chest congestion. No oxygen support or ventilator was required, and he was admitted to a private room. Briefing further about Sharad Pawar’s improving health, Dr Simon Grant earlier added, “Mr Pawar continues to show consistent improvement under medical supervision. Based on his current progress, the medical team is planning for his discharge in the next two days, subject to continued recovery.” Maharashtra Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar visited Sharad Pawar at Pune Hospital Earlier, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, along with son Parth Pawar, visited the Ruby Hall Clinic on the day when Sharad Pawar was admitted. Sunetra Pawar and her son Parth enquired about the well-being of the former Maharashtra Chief Minister. Sunetra Pawar’s late husband, Ajit, was Sharad Pawar’s nephew. Sharad Pawar was brought to the hospital by his wife, Pratibha Pawar; daughter, Supriya Sule; son-in-law, Sadanand Sule; and grandson, Rohit Pawar. While the doctors and hospital staff have been focusing on getting Sharad Pawar the best medical aid, Ruby Hall Clinic has further urged the party workers and well-wishers to avoid gathering within the hospital premises to ensure that routine patient care is not disrupted.
14 February,2026 11:57 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai woke up to mainly clear skies on the weekend. Warm conditions are likely to prevail through the day, with the maximum temperature expected to reach around 35 degrees Celsius, as per the latest weather update. The minimum temperature is likely to settle near 21 degrees Celsius. According to the latest forecast issued at 10 am, mainly clear sky conditions are expected across the city and suburbs. Meanwhile, Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 124 on Saturday morning, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. According to the Centre’s SAMEER app, pollution levels varied across different parts of the city on Friday. Bandra-Kurla Complex recorded an AQI of 137, Andheri East 144 and Deonar 144 all reflecting relatively higher pollution levels within the moderate range. Meanwhile, Chembur reported an AQI of 112, Kandivali East 116 and Kurla 116, indicating steady air quality conditions. In contrast, Borivali East recorded a comparatively better AQI of 64, placing it in the ‘satisfactory’ category. Overall, while most monitoring stations remained in the ‘moderate’ bracket, the variation across locations highlighted fluctuating air quality levels in different pockets of the city. Delhi’s air quality improves to ‘moderate’ as AQI drops to 183 The national Capital’s air quality showed slight improvement on Friday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 183, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Delhi had registered a ‘poor’ AQI of 209 on Thursday and 294 on Wednesday morning. As per CPCB data, several monitoring stations across the city continued to record moderate to poor air quality levels. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 236, Bawana 215, Chandni Chowk 176, DTU 202, Dwarka Sector-8 194, IGI Airport (T3) 144, Jahangirpuri 252, Mandir Marg 145, Mundka 237, Narela 229, Okhla Phase-2 180, Patparganj 193, Pusa 209, R.K. Puram 199, Rohini 232, Shadipur 261, Sonia Vihar 211, Vivek Vihar 211 and Wazirpur 215. Meanwhile, the national Capital recorded a temperature of 12 degrees Celsius around 7 a.m., with humidity at 95 per cent, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). As per AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 to 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 to 500 ‘severe’. Delhi has been witnessing warmer afternoons over the past few days, though light mist during the early hours continues to bring a chill in the mornings. With daytime temperatures gradually rising, the national Capital appears to be moving out of the harsher phase of winter. According to the IMD, the minimum temperature is expected to hover around 11 degrees Celsius, while the maximum may climb to 27 degrees Celsius on Friday. Unlike Thursday’s clear skies, Delhi is likely to wake up to mist, followed by partly cloudy conditions later in the day. The IMD said skies will remain mainly clear on February 14 and 15. It also forecast partly cloudy skies on February 13 and 16, while generally cloudy conditions are expected on February 17 and 18. Temperatures are likely to remain largely unchanged this week, with warmer days ahead and misty mornings continuing.
14 February,2026 09:56 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) on Friday said its researchers have found that too much mucus can weaken the lungs’ defences, which can make people more prone to allergy attacks. The airways to the lungs have a naturally engineered defence mechanism that gets activated when any foreign material enters the airways by secreting a fluid called mucus to trap it. However, for millions of people living in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other metros, the rising levels of air pollution have been posing a persistent health hazard, with heavy smog-filled air causing severe respiratory issues. In a recent study, IIT Bombay researchers have found that as mucus volume increases in response to pollution (or a foreign material) in the airways, its defence does not improve. Instead, the study conducted by Swarnaditya Hazra and Professor Jason R Picardo, found that the increased mucus volume ends up creating narrow ‘humps’ that leave large patches of the airway walls completely exposed. “This patchy landscape could explain why excessive mucus is detrimental, potentially allowing fine soot particles to penetrate deep into our systems and triggering asthma attacks,” added the study. For residents of high-pollution zones, this finding is more than a mathematical curiosity, it is a matter of respiratory survival. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 February,2026 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesFacing opposition from Bandra residents, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday temporarily stopped construction and excavation work for the erection of 35 LED hoardings along the Carter Road promenade. However, permission for setting up the billboards has not yet been withdrawn. On Tuesday, locals, led by Congress leader and former corporator Asif Zakaria, wrote to the civic body, objecting to the project. Zakaria warned the BMC that the residents would strongly object if the work were continued. Residents, who believe that such an endeavour would set a dangerous precedent of commercially exploiting public waterfronts and compromise the serenity of the public open space, have planned a peaceful gathering at the promenade at 5 pm on Saturday, inviting environmentalists, nature lovers, and citizens. Visitors relax on the Carter Road promenade in Bandra West at dusk on April 21, 2025. PIC/SATEJ SHINDE A member of IMPACT (Citizens Movement for Environment and Civic Action), a group formed by the residents to present a united front to speak up about the issues of the area, said, “There is a misalignment in the way BMC and residents look at development. Probably for the former, it’s about revenue and construction, and for the latter, it’s about maintaining the serenity of a public open space. For so many years, this area has facilitated the community coming together to enjoy the city. Now it is being rampantly commercialised with construction.” Facts of the matter 1 The promenade was developed in the late 1990s and early 2000s by citizens of Bandra and the Bandra Welfare Residents Association (through funds from local MPs Shabana Azmi and Priya Dutt 2 The land in question is owned by the Mumbai Maritime Board (MMB) 3 BMC offers maintenance such as sanitation and garbage collection services, and waters the plants Official Speak ‘Permission to prop hoardings on the promenade was given by MMB, as it owns the land. BMC’s licence department gave requisite permission for ads. For now, we have told the contractor to stop the work, respecting the sentiments of residents. But, power to cancel the nod to erect hoardings lies entirely with the MMB’ Dinesh Pallewad, assistant commissioner, H West ward Recent developments >> A steel pillar near the Khar police station has been removed>> Hoarding-related work has been paused>> However, pits dug for the erection of 8x5-foot display boards haven’t been filled ‘Locals and visitors don’t stand to benefit!’ According to Renuka Tahiliani, a resident of Carter Road, the earlier promenade extended from Otters Club [near Jogger’s Park] to Cafe Coffee Day. “When I moved to Carter Road in 2005, the rest of the stretch now occupied by the promenade was a garbage dump and had huts. I contacted the ALMs of the area and approached our MP to develop the rest of the promenade. Since then, the residents took care of the promenade until the pandemic, when it was decided that the BMC should maintain it. In hindsight, that was a wrong decision. At the end of the promenade is a gazebo meant for people to sit in a shaded place. Now a temple is being built there,” she said. Sharan A Kothari, an architect and resident of Carter Road, noted that no seafront in the city had been commercialised. “Marine Drive and Bandstand are recreational community spaces. Yet, the authorities insist on commercialising the Carter Road promenade. The hoardings will be an eyesore. Who benefits from them except the ones taking a share of the revenue generated through advertisements?”
14 February,2026 09:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSA jewellery workshop in Kandivali West was hit by a Rs 20.5 lakh gold theft after a newly hired artisan allegedly fled with ornaments within days of joining. Police say the crime may be linked to financial distress among jewellery workers following the surge in silver prices. The theft occurred on February 9. The complaint was filed by Safiqul Islam Habibur Rahman Mandal who runs SS Gold Polishing and Designing on MG Road. CCTV footage allegedly shows the suspect running out of the shop with the ornaments. The accused Main suspect: >> Aslam, about 25 years old, artisan, absconding Arrested: >> Sahil Shaikh, 22 >> Ajifar Mujid Shaikh, 30 Both were arrested in Hyderabad. Police said they lived with the main accused in Nalasopara and worked at a silver jewellery unit in Vasai. Two more suspects, including Aslam, remain on the run. Investigation status >> FIR registered at Kandivali Police Station>> Two arrested>> Two absconding>> Some amount of gold is recovered from arrested accused>> Police are probing whether the group has committed similar thefts elsewhere What was stolen 9 gold bracelets, 104 gramsGold rings, 33 gramsTotal value: Rs 20.5 lakh
14 February,2026 09:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanChief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday chaired a meeting to review preparations for the upcoming Maharashtra state budget. The budget is scheduled to be presented on March 6, while the budget session of the legislature will begin on February 23. This will be the first budget presented after the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who earlier held the finance portfolio and had delivered the Mahayuti government’s budget last year. With Ajit Pawar no longer in office, Fadnavis is expected to play a central role in shaping the upcoming budget. At a time when the government has several new infrastructure projects in the pipeline and revenue collections are under pressure, managing the state’s finances and maintaining fiscal balance is likely to be a major challenge. As part of budget preparation, the CM is said to have taken stock of the preparation and gave instructions to the respective departments to meet goals. Last year marked Ajit Pawar’s 11th budget speech, the second-highest number delivered by any finance minister in Maharashtra. The finance documents at the time had projected the state’s total debt to rise to Rs 9.32 lakh crore in 2025-26, compared to Rs 8.39 lakh crore in 2024-25.
14 February,2026 08:57 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentA 37-year-old man has been arrested for planting a live snake inside the toilet of a coach of a Mumbai-Solapur train on December 27, 2025. The man has confessed to the crime and said he had done it to create a nuisance. Central Railway’s RPF team, nearly seven weeks later, apprehended the man on Thursday. The 2.5-foot-long Indian rat snake had created panic among commuters on the Solapur Vande Bharat Express. After it was spotted, officials aboard the train immediately alerted the Control Room. Officials tried to locate the snake at Karjat station but couldn’t. Another search was carried out when the train reached Pune, but the snake remained elusive. Subsequently, the toilet was locked, and a thorough search was conducted after the train reached Solapur, where the snake was found. The snake, after being rescued at Solapur station While the snake was rescued, the mystery of who put it there remained unsolved. CCTV footage revealed an unidentified man placing the snake inside the toilet at Thane station. “He just entered the train with a sack, threw in the snake, and got down,” an official said. Acting on video evidence and a tip-off from an informer, RPF officials tracked down the accused, identified as Jagan Arjun Bhale. He was apprehended from Mumbra on Thursday. During interrogation, Bhale allegedly confessed that he done it to cause nuisance. He was produced before the Railway Court at Kalyan, which granted 14 days’ judicial custody. A detailed investigation is now underway. A case has been registered under Sections 145(B), 147, and 153 of the Railways Act, 1989. Rat snakes, largely non-venomous Rat snakes are mostly nonvenomous, medium-to-large constrictors found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Known as excellent climbers and beneficial pest controllers, they primarily feed on rodents, birds, and eggs. They are generally docile but can defend themselves by shaking their tails, releasing a foul odour, or biting. Species: There are over 50 species, including the American black rat snake (up to 8 ft) and the popular pet, the corn snake. Found in: They thrive in woodlands and agricultural sites, often found in trees or rafters. What they eat: They eat rats, mice, birds, eggs, and other snakes. When threatened: When threatened, they may mimic a rattlesnake by vibrating their tail. While they can bite if cornered, they are non-venomous and harmless to humans. Train of exemplary service The Solapur-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express (train nos. 22226/22225) has a remarkable performance, having carried a combined total of 23,43,598 passengers with an impressive occupancy of 102.27 per cent till January 2026. The train completed three years of dedicated service on February 10, having been flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from CSMT on February 9, 2023. Incident details >> Snake left in toilet of coach C-16 of Vande Bharat Express>> Snake discovered during journey>> Toilet sealed as snake couldn’t be located>> Snake safely rescued at Solapur Solving the mystery >> CCTV footage captured man placing snake>> RPF acted on video footage and informer tip>> Man tracked down weeks later Details of troublemaker Name: Jagan Arjun BhaleAge: 37Apprehended: Feb 12, 2026Location: MumbraAllegedly confessed during interrogation Action taken >> Booked under Sections 145(B), 147 and 153 of Railways Act, 1989>> Produced before court and sent to 14 days judicial custody>> Investigation in progress
14 February,2026 08:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarADVERTISEMENT
-1771060091679_d.png "The Maharashtra State Election Commission. File Photo")
-1771042550884_d.png "Warm conditions are likely to prevail through the day, with the maximum temperature expected to reach around 35 degrees Celsius. File Pic")
